Simone Velasco conquers the road race of the 2023 Italian Championships. The Astana rider triumphs thanks to a splendid sprint at the finish line in Comano Terme, in Trentino, at the end of a 227 km long race launched with great power to regulate a small group of six men who played for victory after a series of shots in the final round. Behind him, as in 2022, Lorenzo Rota (Intermarché-Wanty) had to settle for the place of honor. The rider from Bergamo was the author of an all-attack race, remaining in advance for 70 km before being restarted when there were 6 km left to go.
The podium was completed by Kristian Sbaragli (Alpecin-Deceuninck) ahead of the surprising Filippo Magni (Green Project-Bardiani) and the landlord Matteo Trentin (UAE-Team Emirates). Everyone expected pure climbers, starting with Giulio Ciccone, instead a race full of twists and turns came out which saw the triumph of the Emilian Velasco who on arrival wanted to dedicate his victory to Gino Mader, who died after a terrible crash in the Tour de Suisse.
«It was a very hard day due to the heat and the demanding route - Velasco's words to the microphones of Rai Sport -. We got off to a strong start right away, we held the race with the Trek, Basso did a good job, Battistella tried to move at a decisive moment. I stayed on the wheels, in the sprint I'm aware of my speed and today I did it. Everyone told me yesterday that I was one of the favourites, I wanted to keep my expectations low but I was fourth in the time trial and I had good sensations and we saw each other on the road. This shirt is a dream - he added - I've been chasing it for a long time. I dedicate it to my daughter, who came to see me for the first time, to my family, to the people who helped me and who are no longer here, and in particular to Gino Mader».
